tropical

Tall Elephant's Ear

The Story

Plant Bio

Xanthosoma undipes, the tall elephant's ear, is a robust, upright evergreen perennial that develops a thick, trunk-like stem over time in warm climates. The massive, glossy green leaves feature prominent veins and deep basal lobes resembling Mickey Mouse ears, held aloft on stout stalks.

This species is distinguished by its impressive mature stature and the unique ear-like shape of its foliage. The pale yellowish-cream to greenish spathes are tucked beneath the massive leaves on short stalks during summer and fall.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a bold, architectural focal point with its massive, glossy, Mickey Mouse-eared leaves and upright trunk-like growth.

Excellent as a large-scale container plant for patios, allowing easy relocation to escape winter frosts.

Offers structural shelter and shade for small amphibians and beneficial insects in southern gardens.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tropical

Height

98"

Width

71"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

9, 10

Water

High

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Central America, tropical South America

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested; skin irritant

Bloom period

Summer – Fall

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with bright indirect light or partial shade, protected from harsh midday sun.
Amend the soil with rich organic matter to create a moisture-retentive, slightly acidic to neutral loam.
Plant the root ball at the same depth as its nursery container and water thoroughly to settle the soil.
Maintain consistent moisture throughout the growing season, ensuring the soil drains freely.

Pro Tip

Unlike Colocasia, Xanthosoma leaves attach directly at the notch rather than inside the leaf margin; keep the soil consistently moist but free-draining, as dry soil triggers rapid leaf drop while stagnant water causes fatal root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist during active growth.
Apply a balanced, water-soluble liquid fertilizer monthly in spring and summer.
Provide high humidity or shelter the plant from dry, sweeping winds.

Don't

Do not allow the soil to dry out completely, which causes immediate leaf drop.
Do not let the plant sit in waterlogged, stagnant soil.
Do not cut into the clean, healthy wood of the main stem when removing old leaves.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen PlantShade GardensPatio ContainersTropical Borders

Companion Plants

Colocasia esculenta Arisaema triphyllum Adiantum pedatum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Tall Elephant's Ear questions

What zones can Tall Elephant's Ear grow in?

Tall Elephant's Ear is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Tall Elephant's Ear bloom?

Tall Elephant's Ear typically blooms in summer through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Tall Elephant's Ear need full sun?

Tall Elephant's Ear does best in part shade.